SPECIAL REPORT
An estimated 50 million to 70 million adults in the United States have a sleep disorder , according to the American Sleep Association . And 25 million suffer from obstructive sleep apnea , a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts .
Yet an estimated 80 % of sleep issues are derived from lifestyles , so they can be fixed , says Anna Bjurstam , head of wellness innovation at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas , which operates 19 resorts in Asia , the Middle East and Europe , and 32 spas .
At Six Senses , the sleep program begins with guests answering questions about their sleep habits . Next , guests receive a biomarker screening , measurements to assess overall health that could reveal dehydration , high stress or other maladies . On the first night , a device placed by the bedside measures how long it takes the guest to fall asleep , amounts of deep and light sleep , and heart rate variability .
A BETTER NIGHT ’ S SLEEP
That data informs a course of action , which is complemented by activities such as meditation and yoga . For a woman in her 50s suffering from menopause-related hot flashes , one remedy is a lower thermostat setting , Bjurstam says . Another is moisture-wicking sheets . Alternatively , a guest may complain that he or she falls asleep right away but wakes up in the middle of the night . In that case , a white noise machine helps relaxation .
One guest suffered from dehydration and admitted she didn ’ t enjoy drinking water , “ so we found tea that she enjoyed ,” Bjurstam says .
The program also demonstrates the effects of bad habits . “ Some people want a steak and glass of wine before they go to bed ,” Bjurstam says . “ We can measure the effect and show the difference .” Red meat takes time to digest and alcohol helps you fall asleep , but the quality of sleep is not as good , she adds . Workaholics are advised that it ’ s not a good idea to be on their computer or device an hour before bedtime .
Some guests attribute their “ best night sleep ever ,” to being on vacation , Bjurstam says . “ But when it ’ s a lesson , when they discover what they need to do , then it ’ s a transformational experience .” area , usually in a partnership with a hospital or medical practice . For example , Amatara Wellness Resort in Thailand joined with Bangkok Hospital ’ s Brain Health Institute in a venture targeted to people with a family history of Alzeimer ’ s or those wishing to take steps against age-related cognitive decline .
At Chablé Resort & Spa in Mexico ’ s Yucatan peninsula , guests are invited on a spiritual journey . At the center of the resort is the spa constructed around a cenote , a pond or sinkhole formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock common throughout the Yucatan . “ This is the source of energy for the Mayan people ,” General Manager Rocco Bova says .
The resort ’ s shaman , or “ woman of wisdom ,” invites people to the spa , “ to feel this energy ,” Bova said . “ This is how transformation begins .”
“ WHEN IT ’ S A LESSON , WHEN ( GUESTS ) DISCOVER WHAT THEY NEED TO DO , THEN IT ’ S A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE .”
ANNA BJURSTAM , SIX SENSES
24 hotelsmag . com October 2019